Patricia “Patsy” Votava, 82, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at Valley Senior Living - Woodside Village, after her battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was surrounded by her family members at the time of her passing.
Patricia J. “Patsy” Novak was born on February 7, 1938 in Pisek, ND, to Thomas W. and Rose H. (Novak) Novak. She was the second youngest of 10 children. She attended school in Pisek through the 8th grade. She worked on the farm, as well as babysitting her nephews and nieces. This began an immediate love for children, and later her career as a Home Daycare Provider.
Patsy enjoyed music and singing, and attended many dances. This is where she met the love of her life Jim (James Jr.) Votava. They were married on May 24, 1960 in Pisek, ND, at St. John’s Nepomucene Catholic Church. Jim was an Electrical Engineer and they traveled together for many of his jobs. Later they built their first home together in Grafton, ND. They were blessed with 2 daughters. They moved to Grand Forks, ND, in 1964. Patsy was a homemaker and a daycare provider right away. She babysat for hundreds of children throughout the years — many that were in relation to her. Patsy loved children and they loved her. It was always a caring and busy place at Patsy’s Daycare.
Patsy was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and the Parish Alter Society. Along with Jim, Patsy was a religious education teacher, and they belonged to the Christian Life Prayer Group. They had a love for the Catholic Faith and she was devoted to Prayer. She was a Godmother as well as a Confirmation Sponsor to so many young people. She was a true Woman of Faith. She was an avid listener to the EWTN Catholic Radio Station. Patsy was heartbroken when her husband Jim passed away suddenly on October 27, 2009.
As well as her love for children, Patsy had a love for animals and flowers. She was always singing with her beautiful voice. She loved to cook. She was a hard worker. She deeply loved her family and friends, and it showed with all of the pictures she kept and shared by posting them throughout her house. She had care and concern for many with her heart that was full of Love. She was a beautiful lady - inside and out. We will miss Patsy forever.
Patsy is survived by her daughters: Becky O’Shea and Pam (Bill) Olmstead; grandchildren: Heidi (Tyson) Anderson, Rachel (Casey) Marsh, James (Katie) O’Shea, Billie (Nick McNelis) Olmstead, Megan O’Shea and Chad O’Shea; great grandchildren: Devon, Brooklyn and Lukas Anderson, Teagan McNelis, Logan Marsh; step-granddaughter, Amy (Chad) Fullmer; step-great grandchildren: Caleigh and Gavin Fullmer; former son-in-law, Dave O’Shea; sister, Loretta (Joe Sr.) Lovcik; brothers-in-law: Herman (Caroline) Barta Sr., and Douglas (Lona) Carter; sister-in-law, Louise (William Sr.) Novak. Other in-laws include: Cy (Mary Ann) Votava, Don (Darlyne) Votava, Richard (Marion) Votava, Henry (Jan) Votava, Mary Ann (Bernie) Ring, David (Helen) Votava and Loretta Votava, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Patsy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim; her great-granddaughter, Rylie McNelis; brothers: George Novak, Lawrence Novak, Donald Novak, William Novak Sr.; sisters: Angeline (Herman) Zidon, Caroline (Herman Sr.) Barta, Bernice (Bud) Fischer and Lona (Douglas) Carter. Patsy was second to the last living relative of her immediate family.
Patsy’s family would like to thank the entire staff at Valley Senior Living for their outstanding care for her. They showed great compassion and love for her and we are forever grateful.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 14, 2021 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND.
Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday with a 4:30 p.m. rosary service and 7:00 p.m. vigil service in the Historic Norman Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will continue for hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Thursday.
Burial: In the spring, at Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.
The online memorial registry may be signed at www.normanfuneral.com
(The Historic Norman Funeral Home, Grand Forks, ND)
